How to Practically Embrace your 2021 Word of the Year
Have you ever excitedly figured out your new years resolution only to fail miserably at keeping it?
Me too.
Like many of you, I fall into the trap of having too many resolutions at the start of a new year and forget all my resolutions within the first two weeks.
So in 2020, I chose a word of the year instead of a resolution. Do you know what the difference is? The difference is that a resolution is a decision or habit you have decided to embrace in order to change something in your life. On the other hand, a word of the year is a thematic word you decide to focus on through learning and growth in order to enhance your life.
My word for 2020 was rest with a bible-verse focus. It went so well that I prayed over my 2021 word - time.
Here are four tips to help you live out your word of the year in a practical way:
#1: Prayer
Prayer through journaling, quiet time, talking to the Lord, and listening to Him.
Start by looking up many definitions of what your word means. If it helps, write them all down and label it “Day #1.” Ask yourself and write underneath what this word means for your life, relationships, and relationship with God. Write down why you think you need it. Is there something in your life that’s lacking? Challenge yourself here.
#2: Accountability
With family, friends, and mentors, share what you’re learning throughout the year. Have them check in with you about what you’re learning, how you’re learning it, and what you’re being challenged by in relation to your word.
#3: Learn
Surround yourself with resources to help you learn: podcasts, sermons, books, bible studies, a list of bible verses, or bible studies.
#4: Spotify Playlist
Make a Spotify playlist surrounding your word. Find songs with lyrics or with certain tones, rhythms, and instruments that remind you of your word. Listen to it as you journal, fall asleep at night, or on an afternoon walk around your neighborhood.
Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and picking a word of the year is an easy, fun way to enhance your everyday life as well as deepen your relationship with the Lord in a unique way.
*Written by Esther Louise as told by ROOTED’s guest, Hannah.
You can listen to Hannah talk about her 2020 word of the year, rest, by clicking the button to the right.
Does this inspire you to cultivate meaning in your everyday life and create the lifestyle you really wish you had?
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